Testosterone plays a crucial role in women's health, including libido, bone density, muscle mass, and cognitive function R Davis, 2022. The hormone is produced in smaller amounts in women compared to men, but its effects are just as significant. Testosterone helps regulate libido, arousal, and orgasmic function, making it an essential component of female sexual health R Davis, 2021. Additionally, testosterone contributes to maintaining bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures Martínez-García & R Davis, 2020. It also plays a role in building and maintaining muscle mass and strength, as well as regulating mood and cognitive function G Rojas-Zambrano & R Rojas-Zambrano, 2024.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

Women with low testosterone levels may experience a range of symptoms, including decreased libido, vaginal dryness and pain during sex, fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, and decreased muscle mass and strength Bhasin & Ozimek, 2021. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and overall health. Low testosterone levels in women can be caused by various factors, including menopause, premature ovarian failure, and adrenal insufficiency E Nappi et al., 2020.

Benefits of Testosterone HRT in Women

Testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to alleviate symptoms of low testosterone in women, improving quality of life and overall health M Luther et al., 2024. The benefits of testosterone HRT include improved libido and sexual function, increased bone density, enhanced muscle mass and strength, and improved mood regulation DeRosa, 2020. Testosterone HRT has also been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures Zitzmann et al., 2024.

Risks of Testosterone HRT in Women

While testosterone HRT can be beneficial for women with low testosterone levels, it also carries potential risks S Donovitz, 2022. These risks include acne and skin changes, male pattern baldness, deepening voice, and cardiovascular risks J Parish et al., 2021. Additionally, testosterone HRT may increase the risk of polycythemia, benign prostate hypertrophy, prostate cancer, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and infertility Giordano Imbroll & Gruppetta, 2020.

Who is a Candidate for Testosterone HRT?

Testosterone HRT is typically recommended for women with diagnosed hypogonadism, a condition characterised by low testosterone levels R Davis, 2025. Candidates for testosterone HRT include postmenopausal women, women with premature ovarian failure, and women with adrenal insufficiency T Katsika et al., 2022. Women considering testosterone HRT should consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks and determine if testosterone HRT is right for them.

Conclusion

Testosterone HRT is a viable treatment option for women experiencing low testosterone levels, but its use must be carefully considered and monitored R Davis, 2021. While testosterone HRT can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, it also carries potential risks. Women considering testosterone HRT should be aware of the benefits and risks and discuss their individual situation with a qualified healthcare provider.

References

Cited References:

R Davis, S. (2022). Testosterone for women: certainties and uncertainties.. Climacteric : The Journal Of The International Menopause Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2022.2146492
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R Davis, S. (2021). Use of testosterone in postmenopausal women.. Endocrinology And Metabolism Clinics Of North America. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2020.11.002
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Martínez-García, A. & R Davis, S. (2020). Testosterone use in postmenopausal women.. Climacteric : The Journal Of The International Menopause Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2020.1796961
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G Rojas-Zambrano, J. & R Rojas-Zambrano, A. (2024). Effects of testosterone hormone on the sexual aspect of postmenopausal women: a systematic review.. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.68046
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Bhasin, S. & Ozimek, N. (2021). Optimizing diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions in men with testosterone deficiency.. Endocrine Practice : Official Journal Of The American College Of Endocrinology And The American Association Of Clinical Endocrinologists. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eprac.2021.08.002
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E Nappi, R., Di Carlo, C., Cucinella, L., & Gambacciani, M. (2020). Viewing symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy (vva)/genitourinary syndrome of menopause (gsm) through the estro-androgenic lens - cluster analysis of a web-based italian survey among women over 40.. Maturitas. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.06.018
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M Luther, P., J Spillers, N., C Talbot, N., S Sinnathamby, E., Ellison, D., A Kelkar, R., Ahmadzadeh, S., Shekoohi, S., & D Kaye, A. (2024). Testosterone replacement therapy: clinical considerations.. Expert Opinion On Pharmacotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2024.2306832
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DeRosa, A. (2020). Gender bias in the treatment of menopausal women: i am hot as hell and not going to take it anymore, part 1.. International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Compounding. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217736
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Zitzmann, M., C Michel, M., & Sperling, H. (2024). [testosterone replacement therapy and possible side effects].. Urologie (Heidelberg, Germany). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00120-024-02455-8
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S Donovitz, G. (2022). A personal prospective on testosterone therapy in women-what we know in 2022.. Journal Of Personalized Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12081194
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J Parish, S., A Simon, J., R Davis, S., Giraldi, A., Goldstein, I., W Goldstein, S., N Kim, N., A Kingsberg, S., Morgentaler, A., E Nappi, R., Park, K., A Stuenkel, C., M Traish, A., & Vignozzi, L. (2021). International society for the study of women's sexual health clinical practice guideline for the use of systemic testosterone for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.. The Journal Of Sexual Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.009
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Giordano Imbroll, M. & Gruppetta, M. (2020). A current perspective into young female sex hormone replacement: a review.. Expert Review Of Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2020.1816820
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R Davis, S. (2025). Not just sex: other roles for testosterone in women.. Climacteric : The Journal Of The International Menopause Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2024.2445301
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T Katsika, E., K Bosdou, J., G Goulis, D., F Grimbizis, G., & M Kolibianakis, E. (2022). Higher live birth rate following transdermal testosterone pretreatment in poor responders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Reproductive Biomedicine Online. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.09.022
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R Davis, S. (2021). Androgens in premenopausal women and women with premature ovarian insufficiency.. Climacteric : The Journal Of The International Menopause Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2020.1866530‍

Relevant but not cited:

Cattoni, A., Parissone, F., Porcari, I., Molinari, S., Masera, N., Franchi, M., Cesaro, S., Gaudino, R., Passoni, P., & Balduzzi, A. (2020). Hormonal replacement therapy in adolescents and young women with chemo- or radio-induced premature ovarian insufficiency: practical recommendations.. Blood Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.blre.2020.100730
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Patti, G., Zucconi, A., Matarese, S., Tedesco, C., Panciroli, M., Napoli, F., Di Iorgi, N., & Maghnie, M. (2024). Approach to the child and adolescent with adrenal insufficiency.. The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology And Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgae564
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Laugesen, K., Leonie H A Broersen, L., Bøggild Hansen, S., M Dekkers, O., Toft Sørensen, H., & Jens Otto L Jorgensen, J. (2021). Management of endocrine disease: glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency: replace while we wait for evidence?. European Journal Of Endocrinology. https://doi.org/10.1530/EJE-20-1199
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Pankiv, V., Yuzvenko, T., Kobyliak, N., & Pankiv, I. (2021). Correction of androgen deficiency in men with type 2 diabetes.. Reviews On Recent Clinical Trials. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574887116666211202155304